Management

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

Management

High quality turf will require frequent very low mowing, fertilizer, and water for vigorous growth. Clippings must be removed. A sharp reel-type mower will avoid unsightly scalping. Good to fair quality turf can be maintained on short water and low fertilizer schedules, thereby reducing mowing frequency.

Bermudagrass will persist as a weed-free ground cover on soils of moderate to high water-holding capacity. Where desirable and permissible, mid-winter controlled burning can be used to reduce thatch. Most herbicides used at recommended rates with reasonable care can be used to control undesirable plants without destroying fully established Bermudagrass. Applications of nitrogen every 2 to 5 years will be needed to maintain vigorous stands on most sites.

Both pasture and hay require good rainfall and heavy fertilizer application for high yield and quality. Thirty to forty pounds of nitrogen should be applied in split increments for each ton of anticipated dry forage yield. Highest yields are obtained on good soils in areas of high average annual temperature with ample water. Harvest or graze at 3 to 4 week intervals for best yields of total digestible nutrient and protein.